Faith Character Lesson by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Faith INTRODUCTION

od’s Word is a treasure chest of promises just waiting to be opened and received! For example, God declares that He is gracious, merciful, and slow to anger. He is near to those who sincerely call on Him. God also forms and fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. He preserves the eternal souls who love Him. All of these specific promises are found in a single psalm—Psalm 145! Plus, there are thousands more promises in the Bible! You can receive God’s promises by trusting and acting on His Word. “There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). Be encouraged to know that this powerful God of the Bible is alive and true to His Word today! Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

FAITH Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it 1

Faith Overview What Is Faith? Read aloud and discuss what faith means and how it applies to life.

The opposite of faith is “unbelief.” When a person questions God, he is not trusting that God is Who He says He is. Doubting God is a denial of His faithfulness, which leads to relying on oneself or something other than Christ. Being independent reveals pride, which is the presumption that we know what is best for ourselves and others. This stubborn distrust is unbelief, which

often is expressed in complaints, fears, and rebellion. We demonstrate unbelief when we think, “I’m not sure God’s promises apply to my situation” or “I tried trusting God, but it didn’t work.” We may even conclude, “I need to be in control.” Acting on these lies will lead to disaster. Scripture warns, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). Imagine an earthly father who is kind, dependable, and hardworking. Wouldn’t his children have the confident expectation and Like the theory of evolution, unbelief looks at the evidence and denies the truth from assurance that the Bible in order to interpret things that whatever their are contrary to the Word of God. dad promised, he would do? Of course they would! Because of their father’s love and integrity, the children could confidently believe his word and be at rest. How much more should we trust our perfect, Heavenly Father, Who always keeps His Word? We can trust God because He loved us and died to redeem us from sin. If we doubt God’s love and goodness, we miss the joy of seeing His faithfulness and participating in His work. Our unbelief also prevents us from pleasing God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

he operational definition of faith is “visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.” Often, the word faith is used to describe “religion” or “a person’s beliefs.” However, Biblical faith is seeing Who God is, discerning (visualizing) His will, and confidently obeying Him. Faith in God gives us access to His grace. (See Romans 5:2.) Faith is developed by learning to hear God’s voice through His Word. The Holy Spirit reveals Who God is and convicts of sin. He also directs in accordance with His Word and confirms with peace. A Christian’s hope is Just as a sleeping baby’s full weight rests on his parent, we demonstrate faith by complete confidence fully resting in the Lord, trusting Him that God will fulfill with all our needs. His promises, even while expectantly waiting for them to happen. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Those who exercise faith in God can overcome doubt and experience God’s supernatural peace and joy in stressful situations.

Faith in Scripture

He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life

will become a radiant expression of Him. God will

FAITH KEY VERSE “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” HEBREWS 11:1

be glorified as His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

Faith in My Life

We see faithfulness and faith manifested through the Trinity in the following ways.

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out faith daily.

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God, unlike man, is always worthy of our faith.

•

(See Psalm 18:2, 118:8.) •

God’s faithfulness gives us reason to trust Him.

(See Romans 14:23, Ephesians 2:8.) •

(See Hebrews 10:23, I John 1:9.) •

God is faithful to sanctify believers and to continue His work in us. Jesus is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

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Jesus steadfastly obeyed the will of God despite great suffering, because He had faith in His Father. (See Luke 22:42, I Peter 2:23.)

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How is my faith evident or demonstrated? (See James 2:17–18.)

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Who are the enemies of my faith? (See I Peter 5:8–9, Jude 1:3–4.)

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The Holy Spirit convinces the heart of truth and gives faith to say that Jesus is Lord. (See I Corinthians 12:3.)

What enables me to please God and live the Christian life? (See Hebrews 11:6, Galatians 2:20.)

(See Hebrews 12:2.) •

How can I receive faith? (See Romans 10:17.)

(See Philippians 1:6, I Thessalonians 5:24.) •

Why is faith important?

What does God provide to protect me from the enemy? (See II Corinthians 10:3–5, Ephesians 6:16, 18.)

The Holy Spirit produces faith in a believer’s life.

Why can I be confident that God’s Word will come to pass?

(See I Corinthians 12:8–9, Galatians 5:22–23.)

(See Psalm 119:160, II Corinthians 1:20.)

•

s you read and study God’s Word, see Who

Bible Story Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

group approached their destination, Abraham told the

God gave him a very difficult assignment. Because

servants, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad

Abraham trusted God, he obeyed. Early the next

will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”

morning, Abraham took his beloved son Isaac, two

Isaac surveyed the supplies: the wood, the fire, and his

young men-servants, and a donkey, and they began a

father’s knife for slaughtering the sacrificial animal. He

three-day journey to the place where God told him to

noticed that something was missing. “My father: Behold

offer a special sacrifice. The purpose of sacrifices was to

the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt

maintain an open relationship between sinful man and

offering?” Isaac asked. What would Abraham answer?

holy God. With this particular sacrifice, God was testing

What promise did Abraham fully expect God to fulfill?

Abraham to see whom he loved most: his son Isaac or God. God was also leading Abraham to the area where

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 22:8–19 and then discuss the following questions.

1. Isaac was the promised son through whom the promised Savior would come. What did God ask Abraham to do? (See Genesis 22:2.) What did Abraham believe God would do if he obediently offered up Isaac? (See Hebrews 11:17–19.)

4. Jehovah-jireh means “the Lord will provide.” What did God provide as the offering? (See Genesis 22:13–14.) Whom did God later provide as the sacrificial Lamb for sin? (See John 1:29, Romans 8:32.)

What are some promises God has given to you in His Word? 2. Who called to Abraham as he prepared to obey God? (See Genesis 22:11.) How quickly do you respond when you hear God’s Word? If you waver in unbelief, what might you pray? (See Mark 9:24, James 1:5–6.) 3. What did God say to Abraham when he willingly gave up what was most dear to him? (See Genesis 22:12.) If God asked you to give up a precious possession, would you obey? As you obey, what can you be assured of? (See Romans 8:28, Mark 7:37.) What is more important than your prized possessions? (See Philippians 3:7–9.)

God would one day sacrifice His Son. As the small

What is God’s promise to you if you receive His Son, the Lamb of God? (See John 1:12, 3:16.) What must you do in order to receive God’s promise of salvation? (See Romans 10:9–10.) 5. After the sacrifice, for what did the Lord commend Abraham? (See Genesis 22:16, Hebrews 11:17–19.) Because Abraham obeyed in faith, what promises did he receive? (See Genesis 22:17–18.) What are the powerful results of receiving God’s promises? (See II Peter 1:3–4.) 6. What did God say of Abraham’s faith? (See Romans 4:3, 20–22.) For what specific promises will you thank and glorify God?

braham is called the “Father of Faith.” After he had walked with God for many years, one day

Memory Verse Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Memory Verse Game: Unscramble!

Doers of the Word: Hebrews 11:1

Have the children each write a different assigned word or

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

phrase from the memory verse on a sheet of paper. Collect

applied in your life, e.g., “be confident that You will

the papers and shuffle them, then distribute the sheets

answer my prayer,” “find a verse that applies to my

facedown, one per child, so that the children do not see

situation,” or “pray with faith and hope.”

which words they received. On the count of three, have the children look at the words on their papers, and then time them to see how fast they can line up with the words in the correct order. Quote the verse together. Repeat mixing up the papers, redistributing, and timing the children as they line up until the children have memorized the verse.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________________________ _______________________________________________ �� . I ask that You would develop faith in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

HEBREWS 11:1

working in your life.

Word Puzzle Word Search

Instructions Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the faith key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards. (Answers can be found on page 12.)

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Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “the” and “God.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words of the verse instead of only the underlined words.

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

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Activity Feeling, Faith, and Fact Scramble

A copy of the “Feeling, Faith, and Fact” template on page 13 • Scissors •

Instructions As I read this poem aloud, listen for reasons why it is important to know the truth, which God has given us in the Bible. This poem uses the word fact to mean “the truth.”

Three men were walking on a wall, Feeling, Faith, and Fact, When Feeling took an awful fall, And Faith was taken back. So close was Faith to Feeling, He stumbled and fell too, But Fact remained,

peace as we choose to confidently act on God’s unchanging Word instead of our ever-changing feelings. Remember that Satan can only tempt us to doubt; he cannot stop God from keeping His promises! Satan can only torment you with fear that God will not do what He has said. But God does not lie. He keeps His promises, and He gives you a shield of faith to ward off thoughts of unbelief. Protect yourself from doubt by knowing God’s Word and keeping your focus on Him. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:11). Let’s cut out the pictures from the template and arrange them in the correct order according to the poem. What causes you to be fearful? What doubts do you have about God? What facts from God’s Word apply? If you believe these facts, what will you do, even if your feelings are not in agreement? Next, let's look up the following verses that describe Who God is. These verses contain facts that can strengthen your faith when you are tempted to doubt: •

God is love. (See I John 4:8, Romans 8:38–39.)

And pulled Faith back

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God is a good Father. (See Matthew 7:11.)

And Faith brought Feeling too.

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God protects His children. (See Psalm 121:1–8.)

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God provides for His children. (See Matthew 6:25–34.)

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God listens to His children. (See Psalm 34:15.)

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God is always with His children. (See Hebrews 13:5.)

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God has good plans for His children. (See Jeremiah 29:11.)

—A U T H O R U N K N O W N

Sometimes we may not feel like trusting God, such as when we are grieved, discouraged, or frustrated. Our faith, or confidence in Who God is or what He says, may waver, especially if we are thinking untrue thoughts about God. We cannot rely on our feelings to discern what is true. Unlike our feelings, however, God’s Word can be trusted. Fear can be replaced with

VARIATION: From paper bags or socks, make puppets representing Feeling, Faith, and Fact. (You could also use stuffed animals.) Create the wall by using a couch or a blanket draped over chairs. Enjoy acting out the poem!

Supplies:

Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness You will need the following items: sticky notes, pen, and a white bed sheet. through Christ. (See John 17:3.) If we accept God’s gift of

Select a volunteer who would not mind standing to represent the sin of all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin? As the children answer, write their examples on sticky notes and place them onto the volunteer’s clothing (e.g., speaking unkind words, stealing, disobeying, doing good with wrong motives).

Remove the sticky notes and wrap the white sheet around

Because we have all sinned, and God is holy, we are eternally separated from Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sin and Who rose again to conquer death! Now we can have fellowship with God forever

salvation, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin, and His righteousness is put upon us! (See II Corinthians 5:21.) the volunteer to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness. Isaiah 31:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Are you trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and Christ is living in you!

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16). 2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23). 3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins to be forgiven and for

crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4). 4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). 5. We receive that gift of salvation by confessing with our mouth that Jesus

Your new, inward identity is one of righteousness in God’s eyes. The more you realize that you are a new creature in Christ and walk in the Spirit, the more your outward actions will demonstrate Christ living in you. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives

fellowship with Him to be

is Lord and believing in

us eternal life—sweet constant fellowship in the

restored (Ephesians 1:6–7).

our heart that God has

Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteous-

Jesus accomplished our

raised Him from the dead

ness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

salvation through His

(Romans 10:9–10).

he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and He is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Hymn History “I Know Whom I Have Believed” Sing “I Know Whom I Have Believed” and read about the faith proclaimed by the hymn writer, Daniel W. Whittle. a Christian; I have seen you reading your Bible,” the

conflicts recorded in American history, was

orderly replied.

over. Among the many badly wounded soldiers was Union officer Major Daniel Webster Whittle. After losing his right arm in the battle, Major Whittle spent months as a prisoner of war (POW) recuperating in a hospital. The young soldier became weary of having nothing to do while recovering. Finally, looking for something to do to pass the time, Major Whittle began reading the New Testament his mother had given him when he joined the Army. As Major Whittle read the little Bible, the Holy Spirit convicted him of his sin and his need for a Savior. However, he resisted surrendering to Christ, and soon he Daniel W. Whittle (1840–1901)

fell asleep. A short time afterward, a hospital orderly

Major Whittle later wrote: I dropped on my knees and held the [dying] boy’s hand in mine. In a few broken words, I confessed my sins and asked Christ to forgive me. I believed right there that He did forgive me. I then prayed and pleaded God’s promises. When I arose from my knees, . . . [the soldier] was dead. A look of peace had come over his troubled face, and I cannot but believe that God who used him to bring me to the Savior used me to lead him to trust Christ’s precious blood and find pardon. Faith is “visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.” To have strong and vibrant faith in any situation, we must know Whom we are trusting! Major Whittle wrote the hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed” as an expression of his faith in Christ. He noted in the hymn that while there was still much he did not understand, he chose to believe in God and His faithfulness. Faith involves not only believing with our minds but also trusting in our hearts that God lives within us when we commit our lives to Him. Apart from faith, we cannot act in harmony with God’s good and perfect will.

awakened him. The orderly explained that another

Major Whittle wrote other hymns. After the war,

POW was dying and wanted someone to come pray

influenced by D. L. Moody’s ministry, Major Whittle

with him. Major Whittle protested that he could not

became an evangelist and led many to Christ. God can

pray with the dying patient and suggested that the

also be glorified through our faith as we discern and

orderly ask someone else. “But I thought you were

act in harmony with His will.

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

he Battle of Vicksburg, one of the bloodiest

Hymn Sheet Music

I Know Whom I Have Believed Daniel W. Whittle (1840–1901)

                   know know know know

not not not not

why God's won - drous grace To me He hath made known, how this sav - ing faith To me He did im - part, how the Spir - it moves, Con - vinc - ing men of sin, when my Lord may come, At night or noon - day fair,

                         

                             



         

   

 

             

 

Nor why, un - wor Nor how be - liev Re - veal - ing Je I'll walk Nor if

     

 



 

     

 

 

     

thy, Christ in love Re - deemed me for ing His Word Wrought peace with - in in sus through the Word, Cre - at - ing faith the vale with Him, Or meet Him in

His my in the

 

                             

own. heart. But "I know Whom I have be - liev - ed and am per - suad -ed that He is Him. air.

    

   

                                 

                                                                         a - ble

To keep that which I've com -mit - ted Un - to Him a-gainst that day."

1. I 2. I 3. I 4. I

James McGranahan (1840–1907)

Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a[n] . . . offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2). 11

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Recommended Resources

E O Z E T O R H C H T

N R I H T I W E A S E

O Y N O M R A H W E J

W S G N I H T F O S L

Feeling, Faith, and Fact Scramble Answer Key

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2021 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

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Hymns for the Family CDs (“I Know Whom I Have Believed” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 4.)

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The Power for True Success

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Understanding Spiritual Gifts

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Character Cards

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Character Cards Memory Game

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Character Sketches, Volumes I–III

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Achieving True Success

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The Life Series: Faith - Part One

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Legacy of Faith series (messages available at embassymedia.com)

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Rise Up series (messages available at embassymedia.com)

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“Our View of God” (message by Laura Oliverio, available at embassymedia.com)

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“How to Grow Faith Through Fiery Trials” (message by Jim Sammons, available at embassymedia.com)

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“Seeking Understanding of Faith” (message by Ben Ziesemer, available at embassymedia.com)

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“Trust vs. Fear” (message by Jennifer Daniel, available at embassymedia.com)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

Hymn History Bibliography Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN, 2003, p. 191. William J. Reynolds, Companion to Baptist Hymnal, Broadman Press, Nashville, TN, 1976, p. 461.

store.iblp.org

Word Search Answer Key

Feeling, Faith, and Fact Template

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